Inter Miami CF's dreams of a perfect group stage campaign in the 2024 Leagues Cup faded with a 2-1 loss to Tigres UANL. The spectacle on the field was nothing short of dramatic, with tension gripping everyone present at Houston's NRG Stadium.
Inter Miami, still riding high from a convincing win over Club Puebla, entered the match with some strategic changes. Drake Callender returned to goal, providing a sense of security that seemed missing in the previous game. The defense, made up of Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, David Martínez, and Jordi Alba, looked cohesive and ready for the challenge. In midfield, Matías Rojas, Yannick Bright, and Federico Redondo formed a dynamic trio, while Julian Gressel and Robert Taylor, flanking Leonardo Campana, ensured the necessary offensive push.
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The first half was a true test of endurance. Both teams hunted for goals, but it was Tigres who struck first at 18 minutes, with an impressive goal by Juan Brunetta. The stadium erupted into a mix of applause and sighs as Inter Miami’s fans tried to process what had just happened. Miami’s defense, despite being solid, had a slip-up that Brunetta brilliantly capitalized on.
In the second half, Inter Miami came back with a more aggressive stance. Pressure on Tigres’ defense increased, and the team started creating more clear scoring opportunities. In this atmosphere of rising tension, Leonardo Campana, the Ecuadorian striker who had been in impressive form, was fouled in the opponent’s box. The referee didn’t hesitate and pointed to the penalty spot. Campana, with an almost otherworldly calm, took the penalty with a defiant look, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal wasn’t just another in Campana’s career; it was his 29th, tying Gonzalo Higuaín’s record as the club's all-time top scorer.
But fate, always whimsical, had other plans. At 84 minutes, Juan Pablo Vigón scored for Tigres, sealing Inter Miami’s fate that night.
The loss wasn’t the end of the road for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup. With qualification already secured for the next stage, the team now prepares to face either CF Pachuca or Toronto FC in the round of 16. This match is set for August 8 at Chase Stadium.
Looking at the stats, it’s clear that Inter Miami had its moments of brilliance. With 53.4% possession, 9 shots, and 7 corners, the team showed strength and strategy. The 14 fouls committed by both teams reflect the intensity and competitiveness of the match.
This defeat might seem like a setback, but it's essential to see beyond the scoreline. Inter Miami is in a process of building, solidifying its identity and style of play. The presence of talents like Leonardo Campana, now sharing the title of the club's top scorer with Higuaín, is proof that the team is on the right path. There’s still much to be done, adjustments to be made, and strategies to be refined, but the foundation is solid.
Gerardo "Tata" Martino, Inter Miami’s coach, acknowledged the importance of this game as a gauge of the team’s progress. Despite the absences of stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets, the team showed it could compete on equal footing with the giants of LIGA MX. Martino emphasized the need to keep growing, to believe in the team’s potential, and to face upcoming challenges with the same determination.